Portable starting block assembly

ABSTRACT

A starting block apparatus comprising a first generally tubular-shaped member, a second generally tubular-shaped member slidingly engaged within a radially disposed channel extending through the first member, a first generally C-shaped sleeve secured to a pin extending out of and slidingly engaged within an axially disposed slot in the first member, a generally tubular, T-shaped coupler having a lower leg removably secured over the outer end of the second member, a second generally C-shaped sleeve removably secured along the length of the upper portion of the coupler, and a pair of foot platforms having an outer surface structured for engagement with a runner&#39;s foot and an opposite inner surface structured for mating engagement with the first and second sleeves. A plurality of removable spikes are positioned at spaced apart locations along the first and second members, to maintain the apparatus in a stationary position on the track or ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a track and field apparatus and, more particularly, to a portable starting block assembly.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Starting blocks have been used by runners for many years. From the runners standpoint, the starting block provides assistance in catapulting the runner across the starting line. From a competition standpoint, starting blocks provide the ability to monitor false starts, i.e., runners leaving the blocks prior to the start of the race.

[0005] For the most part, the starting block art has been premised on the same fundamental design since they first came into use. Representative of such starting block art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,519, which discloses a starting block assembly comprising a central longitudinal bar, means for anchoring the bar to the ground or track and a pair of blocks adjustably attached to a respective side of the bar. The adjustable blocks provide the ability to adjust the longitudinal spacing between the blocks along the central bar. Typically, the central bar is constructed of steel or some other heavy metal.

[0006] Over the years, various improvements to starting blocks have been developed. However, the basic structure, comprising the central bar and a block on each side of the central bar, has remained the same. Illustrative of such improvements are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,754,965, 5,033,738 and 4,611,803. As shown by these prior art devices, improvements to starting block assemblies utilize the same basic structure of a central horizontal bar and a pair of starting blocks selectively attached along a respective side of the central bar. Accordingly, it is apparent that the prior art teaches away from starting blocks which do not include this basic structure.

[0007] Although these prior art devices are useful for their intended purposes, none has proven to be entirely effective. Specifically, these devices do not provide the ability to adjust the latitudinal spacing between the blocks. Such adjustment ability may be vital to a runner's achieving optimal catapult. Not all runners are built the same. Some are wider than others and some are boldlegged. However, the current starting block art only provides the ability to adjust the blocks longitudinally along the central bar. Thus, all runners, regardless of their configuration, are forced to adapt to the predetermined latitudinal spacing between the blocks. Such a limitation may take the runner out of his or her optimal alignment of power, thereby inhibiting the runner's ability to achieve his or her best performance. Furthermore, the prior art devices are, typically, constructed of steel or some other similar metal, thereby making them heavy and difficult to transport. Consequently, runners usually do not travel with starting block assemblies and, therefore, only have them available when provided by the facility at which the runner is practicing or racing. This severely limits the runner's ability to practice with the starting blocks, thereby affecting the runner's ability to achieve his or her best performance during actual races.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a starting block assembly which may be adjusted in a longitudinal and latitudinal direction to accommodate runner's of differing configurations. Any such apparatus should be lightweight, easily disassembled and reassembled for ease of transportability and inexpensive. The present invention is particularly suited to overcome those problems which remain in the art in a manner not previously known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed towards a new and improved starting block apparatus which may be adjusted both longitudinally and latitudinally and which is lightweight, easily disassembled and reassembled and inexpensive. The starting block comprises a first generally tubular-shaped member having a generally circular channel extending radially through a first end zone and a slot extending axially along a length of the outer surface of a second end zone, a second generally tubular-shaped member removably secured within the channel of the first member, a pair of generally C-shaped sleeves having an internally threaded hollow cylinder extending outward from its outer surface in generally perpendicular relation thereto and a pair of starting block foot platforms. The first sleeve is secured to an externally threaded screw extending out of and slidingly engaged within the slot of the first member, thereby allowing the position of the first sleeve to be adjusted relative to the second end zone of the first member. A generally tubular, T-shaped coupler includes an open, hollow central leg removably secured over the outer end of the first end zone of the second member. The second sleeve is removably secured along the length of the upper portion of the coupler. The starting block foot platforms or pads include an outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot and an opposite inner surface having an externally threaded plug extending outward in perpendicular relation thereto. The externally threaded plug is structured for mating engagement with the internally threaded hollow cylinder on the first and second sleeves. A plurality of holes axially aligned along a length of the outer surface of the second end zone of the second member are structured so that when the second member is positioned in the channel of the first member, one of the holes in the second member may be aligned with a hole centrally disposed above the channel in the outer surface of the first member and removably secured thereto by a screw or outwardly biased button or pin. A plurality of removable spikes are positioned at spaced apart locations along the first and second members, to maintain the apparatus in a stationary position on the track or ground.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a starting block assembly which has all the advantages of the prior art cover devices and none of the disadvantages.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a starting block assembly which may be adjusted both longitudinally and latitudinally.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a starting block assembly which is easily disassembled and reassembled.

[0013] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a starting block assembly which is lightweight and inexpensive.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent in the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the apparatus of the present invention showing the assembly of the starting block pads to the sleeves and the sleeves to the longitudinal members.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0019] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention is directed towards a new and improved starting block apparatus 10 comprising a first generally tubular-shaped member 20, a second generally tubular-shaped member 40 and a pair of starting block foot platforms 60. The first member 20 includes a first end zone 22, an opposite second end zone 24, a generally circular channel 26 extending through the first end zone 22 in perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis of the first member 20 and a slot 28 extending axially along a length of the outer surface 30 of the second end zone 24. The channel 26 is structured to slidingly engage the second member 40 therein. An externally threaded screw 32 is slidingly mounted within the slot 28 so that the externally threaded portion (not shown) extends outward from the slot 28.

[0022] A first generally C-shaped sleeve 70 is secured to the externally threaded screw 32 extending out of the slot 28 of the first longitudinal member 20, thereby slidingly engaging the second end zone 24 of the first member 20 and allowing the position of the first sleeve 70 to be adjusted relative to the first member 20. The first sleeve 70 includes an internally threaded hollow cylinder 72 extending outward in perpendicular relation thereto.

[0023] The second member 40 includes a first end zone 42, an opposite second end zone 44 and a plurality of holes 46 axially aligned along a length of the outer surface 48 of the second end zone 44. The second member 40 is positioned in the channel 26 of the first member 20 so that one of the holes 46 in the second member 40 is aligned with a hole 34 centrally disposed above the channel 26 in the outer surface 30 of the first member 20. The first 20 and second 40 members are removably secured relative to one another by a screw or other fastening device 35 inserted through the hole 34 in the first member 20 and the aligned hole 46 in the second member 40. Alternatively, a spring loaded, outwardly biased button or pin (not shown) in the second member 40 may be used to secure the first 20 and second 40 members to one another.

[0024] The open, hollow central leg 52 of a generally tubular, T-shaped coupler 50 is removably secured over the outer end 48 of the first end zone 42 of the second member 40 by a screw, spring loaded, outwardly biased button or pin or other suitable fastening device (not shown). A second generally C-shaped sleeve 80, having an internally threaded hollow cylinder 82 extending outward from its outer surface in perpendicular relation thereto, is removably secured along the length of the upper portion 54 of the coupler 50.

[0025] The starting block foot platforms or pads 60, 60′ include an outer surface 62 structured for engagement with a runner's foot and an opposite inner surface 64 having an externally threaded plug 66 extending outward in perpendicular relation thereto. The externally threaded plug 66 is structured for mating engagement with the internally threaded hollow cylinders 72, 82 on the first 70 and second 80 sleeves. The starting block foot pads 60, 60′ are preferably disposed at a sixty degree angle relative to the ground, but may, alternatively, be disposed at any other suitable angle. It is generally believed that a sixty degree angle provides the maximum catapult upon starting a race. The first foot pad 60 is preferably disposed in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first member 20 and the second foot pad 60′ is preferably disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second member 40.

[0026] The starting block apparatus 10 includes a plurality of removable spikes 90, individually positioned at spaced apart locations along the first 20 and second 40 members, to maintain the apparatus 10 in a stationary position on the track or ground. Alternatively, securing means other than spikes 90 may be used to maintain the apparatus in place.

[0027] The first 20 and second 40 members and the first 70 and second 80 sleeves are preferably constructed of PVC, but may, alternatively, be constructed of any other suitable lightweight material. End caps 94 are positioned over the outer ends 25, 45 of the first 20 and second 40 members to enclose the ends 25, 45 of the first 20 and second 40 members and to further secure the second member 40 within the channel 26 in the first member 20.

[0028] The starting block assembly 10 may be utilized by either runners who prefer their right foot on the rear starting block pad and their left foot on the front starting block pad or, vice versa. Removing the second member 40 from the cavity 26 in the first member 20 and the first sleeve 70 and attached starting block pad 60 from the first longitudinal member 20 and reinstalling them from the opposite side of the first member 20 reverses the positioning of the starting block pads 60 to accommodate the particular runners preference.

[0029] The starting block assembly 10 may be disassembled for storage or transporting by first removing the end cap 94 on the second member 40 and the screw or other fastening device 35 securing the second member 40 within the channel 26 of the first member 20 and, second, removing the second member 40 from the cavity 26 in the first member 20.

[0030] While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications, which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved, especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A starting block apparatus comprising: a first tubular-shaped member having a first longitudinal axis and a channel extending therethrough in generally perpendicular relation to said first longitudinal axis; a second tubular-shaped member having a second longitudinal axis, said second member being removably positioned within said channel and slidingly engaged therein so that said first member may slide along said second longitudinal axis of said second member; a first foot platform having means for sliding said first foot platform along said first longitudinal axis of said first member; a second foot platform mounted to an end of said second member so that said first and second foot platforms are similarly oriented; and means for securing said first and second members to a surface.
 2. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first foot platform includes a first outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot, said first outer surface being disposed in a plane in generally parallel relation to said first longitudinal axis.
 3. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said second foot platform includes a second outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot, said second outer surface being disposed in a plane in generally perpendicular relation to said second longitudinal axis.
 4. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for sliding said first foot platform along said first longitudinal axis of said first member comprises a first sleeve having an outer surface structured for attachment to said first foot platform and an opposite inner surface structured to be seated over said first member in generally overlying relation thereto.
 5. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said means for sliding said first foot platform along said first longitudinal axis of said first member further comprises a pin slidingly disposed within a slot extending along a portion of said first longitudinal axis, said pin being structured to mate with a correspondingly shaped hole in said first sleeve.
 6. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a generally tubular, T-shaped coupler and a second sleeve, said coupler having a lower leg structured for mating engagement with said end of said second member and an upper portion having a longitudinal axis in generally perpendicular relation to said second longitudinal axis of said second member, said second sleeve having an outer surface structured for attachment to said second foot platform and an opposite inner surface structured to be seated over said upper portion of said coupler in generally overlying relation thereto.
 7. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for securing said first and second members to a surface comprises a plurality of spikes positioned at spaced apart locations along said first longitudinal axis of said first member and said second longitudinal axis of said second member.
 8. A starting block apparatus comprising: a first tubular-shaped member having a first longitudinal axis and a channel extending therethrough in generally perpendicular relation to said first longitudinal axis; a second tubular-shaped member having a second longitudinal axis, said second member being removably positioned within said channel and slidingly engaged therein so that said first member may slide along said second longitudinal axis of said second member; a first foot platform having means for sliding said first foot platform along said first longitudinal axis of said first member; a first sleeve having an outer surface structured for attachment to said first foot platform and an opposite inner surface structured to be seated over said first member in generally overlying relation thereto so that said first foot platform may slide along said first longitudinal axis of said first member; a second foot platform mounted to an end of said second member so that said first and second foot platforms are similarly oriented; and means for securing said first and second members to a surface.
 9. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 8 further comprising a pin slidingly disposed within a slot extending along a portion of said first longitudinal axis, said pin being structured to mate with a correspondingly shaped hole in said first sleeve.
 10. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 8 further comprising a generally tubular, T-shaped coupler and a second sleeve, said coupler having a lower leg structured for mating engagement with said end of said second member and an upper portion having a longitudinal axis in generally perpendicular relation to said second longitudinal axis of said second member, said second sleeve having an outer surface structured for attachment to said second foot platform and an opposite inner surface structured to be seated over said upper portion of said coupler in generally overlying relation thereto.
 11. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said means for securing said first and second members to a surface comprises a plurality of spikes positioned at spaced apart locations along said first longitudinal axis of said first member and said second longitudinal axis of said second member.
 12. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said first foot platform includes a first outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot, said first outer surface being disposed in a plane in generally parallel relation to said first longitudinal axis.
 13. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said second foot platform includes a second outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot, said second outer surface being disposed in a plane in generally perpendicular relation to said second longitudinal axis.
 14. A starting block apparatus comprising: a first tubular-shaped member having a first longitudinal axis and a channel extending therethrough in generally perpendicular relation to said first longitudinal axis; a second tubular-shaped member having a second longitudinal axis, said second member being removably positioned within said channel and slidingly engaged therein so that said first member may slide along said second longitudinal axis of said second member; a first foot platform having means for sliding said first foot platform along said first longitudinal axis of said first member, said first foot platform including a first outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot, said first outer surface being disposed in a plane in generally parallel relation to said first longitudinal axis; a second foot platform mounted to an end of said second member so that said first and second foot platforms are similarly oriented, said second foot platform including a second outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot, said second outer surface being disposed in a plane in generally perpendicular relation to said second longitudinal axis; and means for securing said first and second members to a surface.
 15. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said means for sliding said first foot platform along said first longitudinal axis of said first member comprises a first sleeve having an outer surface structured for attachment to said first foot platform and an opposite inner surface structured to be seated over said first member in generally overlying relation thereto.
 16. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein said means for sliding said first foot platform along said first longitudinal axis of said first member further comprises a pin slidingly disposed within a slot extending along a portion of said first longitudinal axis, said pin being structured to mate with a correspondingly shaped hole in said first sleeve.
 17. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 14 further comprising a generally tubular, T-shaped coupler and a second sleeve, said coupler having a lower leg structured for mating engagement with said end of said second member and an upper portion having a longitudinal axis in generally perpendicular relation to said second longitudinal axis of said second member, said second sleeve having an outer surface structured for attachment to said second foot platform and an opposite inner surface structured to be seated over said upper portion of said coupler in generally overlying relation thereto.
 18. A starting block apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said means for securing said first and second members to a surface comprises a plurality of spikes positioned at spaced apart locations along said first longitudinal axis of said first member and said second longitudinal axis of said second member. 